He was born Tuesday, December 2, 1930 in Linden, Tennessee. He was the son of the late Hollis Tarkington and the late Sally Wilburn Tarkington. He honorably served his country in the United States Army Reserve during the Korean Conflict.

He was a heavy equipment operator and was a 60 year member of the Operating Engineers Local 181 of Paducah.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Inez Darnell Tarkington of Calvert City, two daughters, Cathy Burnette, husband Dwayne of Lone Oak and Julie Nelson, husband James of Calvert City, sisters, June Tarkington of Benton and Martha O’Daniel, husband Lowell of Calvert City, four grandchildren; Darrin Cutsinger of Chaffee, Missouri, Mitchell Adair of Frankfort, Bryan Cutsinger of Gilbertsville and Brandon Cutsinger of Calvert City, four great grandchildren; Lathan Cutsinger and Brystol Cutsinger both of Gilbertsville, Liam Cutsinger of Calvert City and Whitney Adair of Frankfort.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Rhonda Kay Tarkington who passed away in 1955.

A private family graveside service was held Monday, May 19 at 3:30 p.m. at the Calvert City Cemetery.